Follow Us on Google News
Mustafa Çabuk, claiming to be “the Mahdi Awaited,” was arrested in Turkey along with 15 followers for allegedly exploiting religious beliefs for financial gain.
Çabuk’s troubles began in 2023 when he started renting hotels and homes under the guise of helping earthquake victims, then shared his divine signs on social media.
Interestingly, this isn’t the first time someone in Turkey has been accused of using religion for personal gain. Adnan Oktar, a Turkish Islamic televangelist, was sentenced to 8,658 years in prison for leading a criminal gang, engaging in espionage, sexual abuse of minors, and other charges .
Oktar had also founded organizations promoting creationism and moral issues, and was known for his lavish lifestyle and “kittens,” or female followers.
Çabuk and his followers are expected to face financial fraud charges, and authorities recovered weapons during the arrest. Many believe his followers were misled, and some argue that those who gave him money should also take responsibility for their choices. The investigation is ongoing.
